Read installation manual here
Off-grid capable
Low cost & compact
- Launched in June 2022
- We have produced and installed more than 500 of these units during the first year.
- Most of these units are installed in 100% off-grid installations.
The Pi²R Micro is simplistic yet still delivers great power savings. Our first module with integrated MPPT specifically targets small household retrofit electrical geysers. No need to change the geyser element or existing thermostat. No external components needed (A DB timer can be added as an optional automation method).
DB Timer optional for automation
The Pi²R Micro uses any existing 50-150 Liter geyser as is. Larger geysers can be used as long as the element is changed to a 2kW or 3kW element. Power is fed to the geyser and temperature is still controlled by the standard thermostat. A simple external DB timer fully automates the operation of the Pi²R Micro. The timer enables/disables AC power on the times required by the user. When Grid is not available Solar is forced, thus enabling easy to understand setup.
Indicator LED
There is a small indicator LED showing one of 7 states:
Off: No power is connected
Alternating Red/Green: Over temperature state, normal operation will resume once the internal controller has cooled sufficently.
Fast flashing Green: This indicates that the MPPT is synchronizing, should happen about every 10min.
Flashing Green: This indicates that solar power is available, but the geyser is currently warm enough so that the thermostat is switched off.
Solid Green: Solar power is currently feeding into the geyser.
Flashing Red: This indicates that AC power is available, but the geyser thermostat is switched off.
Solid Red: AC power is currently feeding into the geyser.
Features:
- Up to 200Vmp PV input (Maximum Power Voltage)
- Constant voltage MPPT engine[Wiki]
- Minimum external components
- Excellent for off-grid
- Easy to override
- Excellent durability
- Low cost
- SANS Compliant
- Top seller
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Element Size | 2,3 kW |
| Grid input | 200 - 240Vac |
| PV MPPT | Yes, 7.5 Amp |
| PV input | 90 - 200Vdc *Do not exceed 240Voc |
| Dimensions | 100 * 180 * 80mm 0.6 kg |
| Operating Temperature | -10 - 55° Celsius |
| MTBF | 50,000h |
| Safety & Protection | |
| AC Disconnect | Yes |
| Over Temperature cutout | Yes, 65° (+- 5°) |
| Reverse Polarity | Yes Requires external fuse |
| Transient Category 1 | 3-Way Surge Arester |
| EMC Compliant | EN-61326-1 |
| Safety | IEC-60730-1 |
| NRCS | RCC: 2405055 |
Frequently asked questions
Do the Micro feed the element with DC?
No.What is the maximum power I can connect to the Micro?
The important part is to stay below 200Vmp (240Voc) input, and only 3kW element maximum.Why not use 30-40V?
Because we feed the standard 230V element, we need a bit higher voltage than our competitors with dedicated low voltage DC element.What power throughput can I expect with lower voltage input?
The math behind power throughput can be expressed as:Can I connect panels with more than 7.5A output?
Yes.My panels are capable of 10A, why is the Micro not using all of it?
Firstly, the element only draws what it wants on a certain voltage. See power throuhput formula.
The modified wave is safe to controll with the existing thermostat.
150Vmp with a 3kW element is the recommended Maximum.
If too much Amps are available, the Micro will limit itself to avoid damage.
The below calculator shows what the maximum power throughput will be with diffirent voltages and element sizes.
Note: PV Amps are not considered in the following calculator as it will not affect the maximum throughput.
However if the PV panels can output much more than the "Current draw" of the calculator, the MPPT will not be able to utilize all of the available power.
| Sunshine: | Hour/day | |
| Element: | kW | |
| PV Count | Series | |
| PV Vmp | Volt | |
| PV Imp | Amp | |
| PV Sumary: |
| |
Output power = 1125 Watt Current draw = 7.5 Amp | ||
Power will not be limited.
The Micro measures the input current and will limit itself to not draw too much amps.
Secondly, the Micro limits itself to draw only 7.5A as not to damage its internal components.